Effects of TheraMax on influenza virus infections in cell culture and in mice.

BACKGROUND: Limited in vivo studies in the scientific literature suggest that components of green tea and elderberry may be beneficial in treating influenza virus infections. They are thought to act by blocking virus adsorption to cells. TheraMax(®) is a proprietary medication administered by nasal spray that contains both green tea and elderberry extracts that was evaluated for antiviral activity. METHODS: TheraMax was tested by dilution in Madin-Darby canine kidney cell cultures in standard viral cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition and virucidal assays against eight influenza A and B strains. It was also administered intranasally to mice to determine protective activity compared to oral oseltamivir against an influenza A/NWS/33 (H1N1) infection. RESULTS: In cell culture assays, TheraMax was found to inhibit viral CPE by 50% at a 1:20 dilution for seven of the eight virus strains, with no virucidal activity at 1:2 dilution. The undiluted product was administered to anaesthetized mice twice daily for 4 days starting 2 h before or 12 h after infection. Alternatively, TheraMax and virus were combined for treatment and infection. Oseltamivir was given orally twice daily for 5 days at 10 mg/kg/day starting at -2 h. TheraMax (combined directly with virus) and oseltamivir each prevented death and curtailed weight loss during the infection, and improved lung haemorrhage scores on day 6. TheraMax starting at -2 h or 12 h significantly delayed death by >2 days and reduced lung haemorrhage scores, but most animals died. CONCLUSIONS: These combined results indicate that TheraMax delayed symptoms during animal infections, likely through blocking of virus adsorption.